It occurs when the tendons that connect the muscles to the bones are too short, causing the foot to twist inward and downward. Clubfoot can affect one or both feet and can be mild, moderate, or severe.
The exact cause of clubfoot is unknown, but it may be influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Some possible risk factors include:
Family history of clubfoot
Smoking during pregnancy
Having less amniotic fluid around the baby
Having a twin or multiple pregnancy
Having a chromosomal or genetic disorder, such as Down syndrome
The main symptom of clubfoot is an abnormal appearance of the foot. The foot may be:
Turned inward and downward at the ankle
Smaller and shorter than the normal foot
Curved like the letter C
Pointing down and inward, like a golf club
As children grow older, clubfoot can interfere with their ability to walk, run, and play. It can also affect their self-esteem and social interactions.
An ultrasound scan during pregnancy can detect clubfoot, usually around the 20th week. A physical examination of the foot can diagnose clubfoot after birth. In order to check the bones and joints of the foot, the doctor may also order an X-ray.
As soon as possible after birth, when the foot is more flexible and easier to reshape, treatment should begin to correct the foot's position and make it as normal and functional as possible. There are several treatment methods that can be used:
A plaster cast holds the foot in place while stretching the foot. The cast is changed every week or two, and the process is repeated until the foot is corrected. This usually takes several months.
When the foot is corrected by casting, a brace is worn to prevent it from relapsing. For the first three months, the brace is worn 23 hours a day, followed by 12 to 14 hours a day until the child is four years old. It is composed of shoes attached to a bar that keeps the feet in the right position.
If casting and bracing do not work, or if the foot is extremely severe, surgery may be needed to release the tight tendons and adjust the bones and joints. Surgery is usually performed between the ages of six and twelve months old. Following surgery, the foot is cast for several weeks, followed by a brace for up to a year.
There is no sure way to prevent clubfoot, but some steps that may reduce the risk include:
Quitting smoking before and during pregnancy
Taking folic acid supplements before and during pregnancy
Avoiding exposure to harmful substances or infections during pregnancy
Having regular prenatal check-ups and screenings
Clubfoot is a treatable condition that can be corrected with early and proper intervention. With treatment, most children with clubfoot can lead normal and active lives.
